Each of slender baluster form, the rounded shoulders rising to a short waisted neck with everted rim, supported on a spreading circular foot, the sentoku bronze bodies with a warm golden patina.
Finely decorated in mixed-metal zōgan, predominantly hira-zōgan with areas of low-relief taka-zōgan, with asymmetrical sprays of flowering chrysanthemum and plum extending across the upper bodies. The blossoms are rendered principally in silver and gilt, contrasting with dark shakudō branches and foliage and other subtly patinated soft-metal inlays, the petals and leaves finely engraved and chased with naturalistic detail.
The compositions are arranged with generous areas of undecorated ground, the flowering branches sweeping diagonally across the bodies and creating an elegant contrast between the lustrous golden surface and the varied tones of the inlaid metals.
Each vase signed to the base Kyoto Kuroda zō (京都黒田造).
Meiji period (1868–1912), late 19th century.
Height: 14.5 cm each
Condition: In good overall condition, with light surface wear, minor scratches and areas of natural oxidation and patination commensurate with age. One vase with a very small shallow dent to the body. No significant damage or restoration observed.
